Curator of Sculpture

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Institution: Rijksmuseum
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contract: Full-Time (36 hours per week), one-year contract with the intention to extend
Salary: €4,532–6,268 gross per month (Museum CAO Scale 12)
Deadline: 27 August 2026

The Rijksmuseum is seeking an experienced Curator of Sculpture to join its Department of Fine & Decorative Arts. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Europe’s leading museum collections while helping shape new perspectives on Western sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Over recent decades, sculpture has become an increasingly important focus of the Rijksmuseum through major exhibitions, strategic acquisitions, and the international expansion of its collection. The successful candidate will play a central role in continuing this development by combining scholarly research, collection development, exhibition making, and public engagement.

Working within the Painting and Sculpture Team, the curator will collaborate closely with colleagues across the museum, contributing to exhibitions, publications, digital projects, and public programmes. The role also involves maintaining strong international relationships with museums, researchers, collectors, and the wider art world while bringing innovative ideas to the interpretation and presentation of the collection.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, research, and expand the Rijksmuseum’s sculpture collection.
Contribute to the presentation and long-term interpretation of the permanent sculpture displays.
Complete, update, and improve the museum’s online sculpture catalogue.
Research and publish on Western sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present.
Develop exhibitions, publications, and public programmes.
Monitor developments within the international sculpture field and the art market.
Build and maintain relationships with museums, collectors, researchers, and cultural institutions worldwide.
Contribute to collection development and acquisition strategies.
Participate in innovative knowledge-sharing initiatives, including digital and public-facing projects.
Represent the museum through lectures, publications, media appearances, and professional networks.

Candidate Profile

The Rijksmuseum is looking for a curator with an outstanding academic background and a strong intellectual vision of Western sculpture. The successful candidate should combine deep historical expertise with an understanding of contemporary developments in sculpture, museum practice, and the international art market.

You will be comfortable working within an interdisciplinary museum environment, balancing research, exhibitions, acquisitions, publications, and public engagement while contributing to the long-term development of one of Europe’s most important sculpture collections.

Requirements

Academic degree, preferably in Art History or a related discipline.
Extensive knowledge of Western sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Experience in museum collection management, collection development, and scholarly research.
Strong publication record in art history.
Knowledge of international developments in sculpture and the art market.
Experience working in project-based museum or academic environments.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Willingness to learn Dutch.
Excellent communication and public presentation skills.
Interest in technical art history and innovative collection presentation methods.

What the Rijksmuseum Offers

One-year full-time contract with the intention of becoming permanent.
Gross monthly salary between €4,532 and €6,268 (Museum CAO Scale 12).
8% holiday allowance.
3.4% end-of-year bonus.
Public transport reimbursement or bicycle commuting allowance.
Netherlands Museum Pass after the probation period.
Free admission to the Rijksmuseum for one guest during opening hours.
Access to staff events and wellbeing activities, including sports initiatives.
The opportunity to work with one of the world’s most important museum collections alongside internationally recognised specialists.